Ancestor searches throughout the world can trace their family roots to honored and noble Scottish clans. Many would love to, and have, rented a car and retraced their roots through the Highlands and beyond. Spectacular cinematic photography in such beloved television dramas as Outlander and Game of Thrones, to only name a few, also draw thousands of adoring fans every year to their breathtaking filming locations. The Scottish poet Robert Burns said it best “But to see her was to love her.” Scotland up close and in person can only expand what we’ve already preconceived in our imaginations regarding the bonnie Scotland. Here’s our list of a few secret filming locations and unique places you might want to consider seeing on your epic travels to the dazzling destination that is Scotland.
Dunfermline
Once the capital of Scotland, Dunfermline is worth a stop for several reasons. The Dunfermline Abbey has existed since 1072 which is impressive enough, let alone it is the final resting place of many of Scotland’s revered Kings and Queens. Robert the Bruce is buried here as well and more than a little well known for his importance to Scotland and their struggle to be independent. His name is prominently displayed on the fortification of the Abbey’s watchtower for all to see. This timeless reminder only impresses even more his many accomplishments and importance to Scotland and it’s people.
The town has another resident worth mentioning. Steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie is well-known in America for his philanthropy and riches but, many may not know he was born here in Dunfermline. His rags to riches story starts from very humble beginnings. His father was a weaver and the cottage he grew up in can be visited as a small museum to his legacy. After emigrating to America and becoming the richest man in the world Mr. Carnegie never forgot where and who he came from. Many enhancements to the village today are thanks to him and the many generous donations he made here. If you take a stroll through the beautiful Pittencrieff Park on your way to or from the Abbey this was one of the gifts Mr. Carnegie created to benefit his hometown. He purchased the land in 1902 and presented it to the town the following year. It’s beautifully landscaped with stone bridges and walkways as a natural retreat for this hard working community. He donated large sums of money to build a library and other programs to benefit the area. He knew the importance of a good education and the memory of the many books he had read as a young person looking to better himself.
After an enjoyable encounter with this town we were pleasantly surprised with the interesting heritage of our accommodations we had chosen in the town of Dunfermline. The Guildhall & Linen Exchange – JD Wetherspoon is a friendly staffed and well managed establishment owned and run by JD Wetherspoon. This is an award winning company that purchases forgotten but historic buildings in towns throughout the UK and Ireland, then re-purposes them into pub restaurants and hotels. We highly applaud this companies’ initiative as they also preserve the buildings history with archaeological artifacts and photos as decoration. We highly recommend JD Wetherspoon as an excellent and economical dining or lodging choice for all individuals or families traveling to Dunfermline and future UK travels. The Guildhall and linen exchange was a wonderful reminder of this towns heritage as well as Scotland’s.
The Doune Castle
Okay Game of Thrones fans…Outlander fans, and yes… Monty Python fans!! Secrets and geek out moments are available starting here! You will definitely want to make this castle part of your tour while in Scotland. It was originally built by Robert II in 1371 who was also the grandson of King Robert the Bruce. Today it’s not only an amazing archaeological example of castle life in the Middle Ages but it also evidently makes a great filming location. In 1975 Monty Python and the Holy Grail used this location for filming almost all of the movie here at Doune Castle but especially I think of the iconic scene where King Arthur is on his quest for the Holy Grail and meets up with a French nemesis who attacks him and his fellow questers with cows and various livestock. “Run away! Run away!!” If you’re new to Monty Python and their humor or looking for a refresher check out that full scene filmed there at Doune Castle in this YouTube video located below…
In more modern times the castle is especially known to its Outlander fans. Informational placards provide all kind of behind the scenes filming trivia and are posted throughout the castle for any and all things Outlander. Check out the YouTube video below for even more interesting facts on the lengths that were taken to create Castle Leoch on such a historic site.
The Game of Thrones fans will be pleased to recognize Doune castle pictured in the Season 1 Episode 1 pilot episode. Doune Castle is the Westeros location of Winterfell brought to life! What more could you possibly expect from visiting one castle other than running into the Queen? We’ve hit the motherload of filming locations here at Doune castle.
This castle and its idyllic setting provides a beautiful backdrop of Scottish scenery and spectacular vistas. This alone makes the climb to the top of the battlements well worth it. Let alone if you, in true Monty Python fashion, wish to taunt the people below a second time. 😉
The cost to tour Doune Castle was surprisingly affordable at 9 pounds per adult and are open from 10-4 every day of the week. This was a great stop that our entire family enjoyed. The little guy could run and explore and we enjoyed a day of history and views of a truly beautiful area of Scotland.
The Lochs
Most people are fascinated by the infamous Loch Ness and the folklore attached to this popular tourist destination. In our travels we found there were many Lochs well worth exploring you may want to check out as well. The roads traveled to these lochs are rural and beautiful winding by sheep grazing fields and a part of Scotland you’ll never forget. Here are a few we thoroughly enjoyed and the surprise treasures they hold.
Not only is this an outstandingly beautiful and rural area but a little known historic filming location. In a cow field off the lane facing this loch is where the killer rabbit scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail was filmed. Monty Python fans … you’re welcome. My husband and our friend hiked through this cow field based on less than specific directions found online and managed to find the actual cave that housed “the most foul and bad tempered rodent you’ve ever set eyes on!”… In the film. 😀 Now you’ll never guess what they found inside that cave? Wait for iiiitt! A tiny.. weathered.. stuffed rabbit. I cannot write enough lol’s for this one. My husband was not the first person to hunt down this obscure little known piece of film history! It was a good laugh for all of us and soo much fun for him that he found it!
This was another unforgettable discovery. We had a great experience with our accommodations on Loch Ard at the beautiful MacDonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa. It’s less than an hour from Edinburgh and 40 minutes from Glasgow. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. The grounds well-manicured and beautiful. Views of the lochs sparkling water from almost any view. This Hotel & Spa is a wonderful weekend getaway in itself or just pleasant accommodations for your family while traveling The Trossachs. This gave our family some welcome downtime getting to swim in the indoor pool. What a way to relax among some of Scotlands most beautiful countryside.
The Highlands
The best time to plan your panoramic drive through the amazing Scottish Highlands is between May and September giving you the most daylight for your travels. If you can avoid July and August as well you will have less crowded roads to contend with during their busy peak season. December, January and February are by far the coldest months to visit Scotland. The average temperature is 5 degrees Celsius (41*F) with the peaks of the mountains in the Highlands receiving on average 100 days of falling snow.
A well planned visit promises rural countryside you will not experience anywhere else. My soft spoken grandfather was stationed in Scotland during World War II and never spoke of the war or his experiences but only ever said Scotland was the most beautiful place he’d ever seen.
We hope these tips help you plan the amazing trip to Scotland you are dreaming of. We can say as confidently as you will, Scotland cannot and does not disappoint.
